Alternatives to technologies that depend on fossil fuels are all around us, modeled in the natural world, and studied in the new field of bio-mimicry.

Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, is founder of The Biomimicry Institute, whose mission is to nurture and grow a global community of people, who are learning from, emulating, and conserving life's genius to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. 

As one delves deeper into biomimicry, Benyus says there are three levels of analysis:

There are instances of complex natural processes that could be adapted for human use all over the planet, Benyus says. African ant mounds are just one interesting example of what is being called "enabling technology."

SMIT GROW is an example of biomimicry. By creating solar panels in the shape of leaves, to gather energy from the sun and wind. Find out more here.

When you look at the global ecosystem, Benyus explains, humans as a species are akin to weeds, gobbling up resources with scant thought for their long-term presence where they have taken root.

Janine Benysus will be a keynote speaker at the annual Bioneers Conference, October 16^th-20^th, at the Marin Center in San Rafael. For more information, click here. There is a full roster of presenters here , and a detailed conference schedule here.

Now in its 32^nd year, Project Censored finds there is still no shortage of important news that isn't being covered by the major commercial media.

 These stories and more are included in  Censored 2009 , the new addition to  Project Censored annual review of important, overlooked journalism worldwide. To view the book, along with previous editions, click here .

To visit the Project Censored website which has a listing of their ongoing lecture series click here.

It's one thing to set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but quite another to map out exactly how Sonoma County can reach the goals it has set.

 Sonoma County's Community Climate Action Plan will be unveiled tonight at the Climate Protection Campaigns office in downtown Santa Rosa, at 31 D Street. The community is invited to the free event which is scheduled 6:30 - 8 pm. For more information, click here. A link to the action plan will also be posted there after Oct. 8.

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Read more about Sonoma County's greenhouse gas reduction goals here

  Same sex weddings and Community Impact Reports could both have a notable effect on the Sonoma County economy.

On  October 6, the Petaluma City Council is expected to vote on a resolution requiring Community Impact Reports (CIRs)  for new large retail developments in the city, including those shown on this map.

The Living Wage Coalition of Sonoma County is the leading local advocate forCommunity Impact Reports.